Ratchet line wrench tool

Abstract

A ratchet line wrench tool includes a generally open head member and a handle connected thereto. The head member has a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end and an inner hollow portion. The head member further includes a ratchet gear having a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end that corresponds to the open portion of the head member and a plurality of outer surface teeth along an outer surface of the ratchet gear. The head member further includes a ratchet pawl disposed within the head member and engaging with the outer surface teeth enabling coupled rotation of the ratchet gear. The ratchet line further includes a removable tool insert having an insert portion having outer surface teeth and being sized and configured to close the open portion of the ratchet gear.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tool comprising:
 a first head member having a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end, an inner hollow portion, and opposing upper and lower surfaces; 
 a handle connected to said head member; 
 a ratchet gear disposed within said first head member and having a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end that corresponds to the open portion of said first head member and a plurality of outer surface teeth along an outer surface of said ratchet gear, wherein the plurality of outer surface teeth are disposed between the opposing upper and lower surfaces of the first head member; 
 a ratchet pawl disposed within said first head member and engaging with said outer surface teeth enabling coupled rotation of said ratchet gear; 
 a removable tool insert having an insert portion having outer surface teeth and being sized and configured to close the open portion of the ratchet gear and a ring portion that overlaps either the upper surface or the lower surface of said first head member; and 
 a retaining member configured to hold the ring portion of the tool insert against said first head member to lock the tool insert into a position that closes the open portion of the ratchet gear. 
 
     
     
       2. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining member comprises magnets on said first head member or on said ring portion. 
     
     
       3. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining member is configured to press the ring portion of the tool insert against said first head member to lock the tool insert into a position that closes the open portion of the ratchet gear. 
     
     
       4. The tool according to  claim 3 , wherein the retaining member is removably attached to the tool. 
     
     
       5. The tool according to  claim 3 , wherein the retaining member is removably attached to said handle by a pair of fasteners. 
     
     
       6. The tool according to  claim 5 , wherein the retaining member pivots on the first fastener to a locking position, and wherein the second fastener holds the retaining member in the locking position. 
     
     
       7. The tool according to  claim 4 , wherein the retaining member is removably attached to said first head member by a fastener, and wherein the retaining member pivots on the fastener to a locking position. 
     
     
       8. The tool according to  claim 3 , wherein the retaining member comprises a removable clip that clips the ring portion of the tool insert against said first head member. 
     
     
       9. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the ratchet gear has a multi-faceted inner surface. 
     
     
       10. The tool according to  claim 1  further comprising a retainer to prevent said ratchet pawl from coming loose from the tool during removal or installation. 
     
     
       11. The tool according to  claim 10 , wherein the retainer comprises a removable bolt. 
     
     
       12. The tool according to  claim 1  further comprising a second head member on the opposite end of the tool from said first head member. 
     
     
       13. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said first head member is connected to the handle by a joint that allows the head to pivot with respect to the handle. 
     
     
       14. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said first head member is angled with respect to the handle. 
     
     
       15. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said first head member is offset from said handle such that said first head member is parallel to and in a different plane from said handle. 
     
     
       16. The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the said ratchet pawl is configured to allow coupled rotation of said ratchet gear in only a single direction with respect to said head member and said handle. 
     
     
       17. The tool according to  claim 16  further comprising a switching mechanism and a second ratchet pawl that is configured to allow coupled rotation of said ratchet gear in only a single direction opposite to the direction allowed by said first ratchet pawl, wherein, at any one time, only one of the ratchet pawls engages with said ratchet gear, and wherein the ratchet pawl that is engaged can be switched by said switching mechanism.